Post Holiday Depression

I love the holidays, I really do.  But I can see why people struggle with the post holiday blues.  To some extent I experience a little bit of it myself.  Lots of time off, great Christmas gifts, lots of parties and get togethers that provide a great excuse for gorging on food and drink and you've got yourself the ingredients for post holiday depression.  It's not just about those grieving lost loved ones, those who don't have family to enjoy, or those who can't afford the gifts they buy.  No, I would suggest it happens to those living seemingly normal lives. 

Holly has told me a few times lately that "your in a funk".  She asks if I'm thinking about all there is to do at work in the New Year, or what is causing the melancholy that normally isn't a part of my persona.  Hmmmm ...

I'm so thankful for what I have and for how 2013 has ended.  Blessed beyond what I deserve.  So you retract, or at least I do.  Preserve and protect what you do have and hope that that nothing in the future threatens your fragile comfort.  Do I fear that one terribly bad day could possibly disrupt my life and throw me into a tailspin as it did in 2012 without me realizing it?  If I'm honest, yes, there is a little anxiety there. 

My life has been so good that my biggest anxieties are what could happen, not what is likely to happen.  Does that make me lucky?  I suppose so.  But what does it take to be "secure" anyway?  A pile of money in the bank is a good start.  And knowing that my family is safe and secure at all times.  Well that's not realistic given I have a 17 year old daughter that drives.  Every time she's in the car and I'm awake I worry that she will arrive to her destination safely.  That's what Dad's do right?

I'm rambling here but my point is this - living with anxiety and a fear of the unknown is unavoidable.  But letting it control your emotions and the way you handle yourself isn't.  My advice for those who struggle through the holidays is no different than any other personal struggle or strife ... simply persevere.  That's what I'm doing and what I see in others that inspire me. 

When I am optimistic about the future and positive and thankful good things happen.  When I dwell on the past and worry about the future then I am not at my best.  Sometimes I regress to the prior.  But generally I'm focused on the latter ... and that's a very good thing for me and for those I love and care for the most.